Wallin attended the University of Regina where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science. Beginning her career as a social worker, in 1972 she changed course to co-host a noon-hour, open-line show on CBC Radio in Regina. Wallin spent six years working for CBC Radio in Regina, Ottawa, and Toronto. During these years she worked on such programs as "As it Happens" and "Sunday Morning." In 1978 she joined the Toronto Star, working in their Ottawa bureau.

In 1981 Wallin joined CTV to co-host that network’s venerable morning show "Canada AM." By 1985, she was assigned to the senior post of Ottawa bureau chief. Wallin was the first woman in Canadian television history to be appointed a bureau chief. In addition to reporting on Canada’s political stories, as chief, Wallin hosted CTV’s weekly show "Question Period" where she interviewed many of Canada’s political actors. In 1992 Wallin returned to CBC to co-host the network’s new "Prime Time News." She was released from "Prime Time News" in April 1995, but by that autumn was hosting "Pamela Wallin Live" on CBC Newsworld. This show, and others are produced by her own production company.